Statement of Commitment to Accessibility

Marketing Kitchen is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals. We firmly believe that accessibility is a fundamental right, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities and ensuring that all customers, employees, and visitors feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

Our commitment to accessibility includes the following principles:

1. Equal Services:

We pledge to offer products and services that are accessible to all customers, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. We will continue to strive to eliminate barriers that may hinder any individual from accessing our office and plant facilities.

2. Client Support:

Our team is focused on providing exceptional client support, and we are committed to accommodating the diverse needs of our clientele. If a client or prospective employee requires assistance or reasonable accommodations, we will do our best to meet those needs promptly and efficiently.

3. Staff Training:

We believe that creating an accessible environment starts with education and awareness. Therefore, we will provide ongoing training for our staff, ensuring they are well-informed about accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices to serve our customers better.

4. Physical Accessibility:

Our core premises are not designed with public access in mind. However, with visitors just as with staff, we are working to become fully accessible, and compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other relevant regulations. We will regularly assess our facilities and (when allowed as we lease and do not own our building) make necessary improvements to enhance accessibility where required.

5. Digital Accessibility:

Our online platforms, including our website, are being optimized to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. We will follow industry best practices to ensure digital content is inclusive and usable.

6. Collaboration and Feedback:

We are committed to working with our customers, employees, and the community to continuously improve our accessibility initiatives. We welcome feedback and suggestions on how we can enhance accessibility in all aspects of our business.

7. Compliance:

We recognize the importance of meeting or exceeding all applicable accessibility laws and regulations in Ontario. Our commitment extends to staying updated with changes in accessibility requirements and making necessary adjustments to remain compliant. Every Marketing Kitchen employee has completed their AODA Workplace Wellbeing certification.

We firmly believe that an inclusive approach to accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enriches our entire community. Our dedication to accessibility reflects Marketing Kitchen’s core values and aligns with our vision of a more inclusive and equitable society.

By posting this commitment to accessibility, we affirm our responsibility to create an accessible and inclusive environment for everyone we serve.

Audrey Jamieson
President, Marketing Kitchen Inc.

Workplace Accessibility Multiyear Plan

Year 1: Assess and Plan

Establish Accessibility Committee:
Form a diverse accessibility committee representing different departments and employee groups to oversee the development and implementation of the accessibility plan.
Employee Training:
Provide disability awareness and accessibility training for all employees to promote a culture of inclusion and understanding.
Website Accessibility:
Continue to assess any website accessibility issues based on the audit results, ensuring all digital content meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Year 2: Physical Accessibility

Office Accessibility:
Remove any remaining physical barriers within the office space that are allowed as part of our tenancy agreement.
Implement a clear signage system with braille and high-contrast text throughout the office.
Warehouse Accessibility:
Continue to monitor the accessibility of the warehouse, including accessible pathways, designated loading/unloading zones, and accessible restroom facilities.

Year 3: Communication and Technology

Communication Accessibility:
Ensure alternative formats for written materials, such as large print, and accessible PDFs, are supplied upon request.
Ensure all internal and external communication channels (emails, newsletters, etc.) are accessible if we have employees with disabilities.
Assistive Technology:
Offer assistive technology and equipment, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and magnifiers, to employees who need them.
Digital Communication:
Ensure that all digital communication platforms used within the organization (e.g., video conferencing tools) are accessible and compatible with assistive technologies.

Year 4: Policies and Procedures

Accessibility Policy Review:
Review and update company policies to include accessibility measures and ensure they align with AODA requirements.
Accommodation Process:
Establish a clear and efficient process for employees to request accommodation and provide training to managers on how to handle accommodation requests.

Year 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement

Progress Monitoring:
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the accessibility initiatives and gather feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement.
Continuous Training:
Provide ongoing training and awareness sessions to ensure accessibility remains a priority for all employees.
Public Communication:
Ensure the company's commitment to accessibility is communicated to customers and the public through the website, social media, and other channels.
Supplier and Vendor Engagement:
Encourage suppliers and vendors to adhere to accessibility standards and give preference to businesses that prioritize accessibility.
Accessibility Awards and Recognition:
Apply for accessibility awards or recognition to showcase the company's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.